Educational Sessions

Learn how to complete the employer certification and employer responsibilities, including exclusions, steps after the certification is completed, appeals, and how to avoid future corrections in the certification process.

Ready to broaden your understanding of CalPERS beyond your specific role? In addition to serving over 2 million members in our retirement system and administering benefits for more than 1.5 million members and their families in our health program, CalPERS offers many additional benefit programs. Learn more about all things CalPERS, including our history, the structure and role of the CalPERS Board of Administration, and other programs and benefits including:

• California Employers Retiree Benefit Trust
• Defined benefit plan and funding sources
• Educational opportunities and online resources
• myCalPERS for members and employers
• Supplemental Income 457 Plan

Learn about and understand Social Security and Medicare coverage. We will cover the common tax compliance errors and provide resources.

Want to ensure your employees’ retirement benefits are calculated correctly? You play a critical role in reporting and documenting membership, payroll, and service credit for retirement. We’ll help you get it right by reviewing your business-related responsibilities and providing resources to optimize your processes.

Session topics include:

• Membership eligibility
• Payroll deadlines, fees, and waivers
• Reporting special compensation
• Retirement benefits
• Retirement contract information
• Working after retirement

Don't leave the Educational Forum with any unresolved issues. If you have questions, we have the panel session to answer them all on the final day of the Forum. Any operational topic is fair game, especially complicated issues that involve a collaborative solution across various parts of the organization. We'll have leaders and experts from all CalPERS program areas on hand to address a wide variety of issues, including benefits, contracts, payroll, membership, service credit purchase, actuarial costs, health care, and disability retirement.

Understand how local safety employers can manage disability and industrial disability retirement cases with confidence. This workshop will coach local safety employers through the disability retirement determination process and provide examples. Attend The Employer’s Role in the Disability Retirement Process session, which includes an overview of the local safety program.

Explore how your agency can realize the full benefits of your health program participation. Discover practical advice and best practices to enhance your agency and employees’ program experience. Whether you recently joined the CalPERS Health Program or have been contracting with us for years, we will discuss how you can leverage available CalPERS services, resources, and proven strategies that you can apply back in your workplace.

This session is appropriate for agencies that currently contract with CalPERS for health benefits and those considering joining.

Learn about CalPERS membership qualifications, enrollment requirements, member demographic maintenance, and new system enhancements about notification of auto-separations, plus reporting contributory and non-contributory appointments.

Join us for an interactive session about various optional membership elections that members may choose. We’ll review the CalPERS/CalSTRS, optional member, state Second-Tier election, self-reciprocal validation for PEPRA/classic enrollment, plus the elective officers who may be subject to suspension of benefits.

Learn about and understand the State Social Security Administrator at CalPERS. We’ll cover coverage and eligibility, benefit calculation, Medicare, and resources.

Join our chief health director and chief clinical director for an engaging conversation on health care trends and the strategic initiatives shaping the future of the CalPERS Health Program. You'll learn how our new health plan and pharmacy contracts are driving improved clinical quality. Gain insights into the strategies we're implementing to enhance affordability and quality and deliver exceptional health care for our members. We'll also share insights on the future vision for the CalPERS Health Program. Bring your questions and engage in the conversation so you return to your office with valuable, relevant information.

Gain a clear understanding of the employer’s responsibilities in the disability retirement process. This session will cover key actions, documentation requirements, and strategies for effectively navigating the disability retirement process.

What happens when an employee passes away before reaching retirement? This session will guide you through the crucial steps to ensure their benefits are handled smoothly and with care. Discover why having up-to-date Beneficiary Designation and Special Power of Attorney forms on file with CalPERS is essential, and how it can make all the difference.

You'll also come away with vital information on:

• How to access emergency retirement counseling
• Tips for maximizing death benefit provisions
• The proper way to report the death of a member
• Understanding pre-retirement survivor benefits and more

Join us for this informative session to ensure you are prepared for these sensitive and important situations.

As an employer, you're also a CalPERS member. The more you know about CalPERS retirement benefits and how they fit into your financial future, the more of a trusted source you'll become for your employees. We'll cover:

• How your retirement benefit is calculated
• Factors to consider when preparing for retirement
• Features available through myCalPERS

Understand the difference between reporting classified and certificated CalPERS members. Learn about commonly reported compensation issues including full-time equivalent (FTE) reporting for classified members and pay rate requirements for certificated members.

Learn and understand what goes into independent contractor and safety classification reviews at CalPERS. We will provide guidance on what your agency should do if CalPERS determines someone to be incorrectly enrolled at your agency.

Are you confident that your hiring processes are compliant with post-retirement employment laws? We’ll simplify the process of hiring retired annuitants so you can get it right every time.

We’re busting retirement compensation myths. Learn about our most frequent public agency reporting issues and how to avoid them negatively affecting your employees’ retirement benefits.

Learn how to use our new myCalPERS enhancements to submit your labor policy reviews and requests for advice.

Learn how to limit compliance reviews and maximize your staff's retirement benefits by simplifying the number of special compensation items.

Learn the difference between and the requirements for Out of Class (OOC) vs. Temporary Upgrade Pay (TUP) in compliance with Public Employees’ Retirement Law (PERL). Part of the presentation will be the facts about reporting OOC/TUP compensation for safety members.

Join our experts to better understand the ins and outs of calculating a service retirement benefit. These topics will assist you as you communicate and support the retirement process within your organization:

• Applying for retirement
• Calculating a pension and unused sick leave
• Post-retirement adjustments
• Internal Revenue Code 415(b)
• Replacement Benefit Plan

This is an entry-level presentation on how to read your report and highlights the most important pages of the report. This session will also provide a general overview of how the actuaries determine employer contribution rates each year.

This session will explain all of the changes going on in the CalPERS actuarial world, which will affect and shape future contribution rates. Join us to learn more about where your rates are headed.

The CalPERS 457 Plan is a deferred compensation plan administered by CalPERS, a California state agency. Since 1995, CalPERS has provided public agencies and schools — and their employees — a low-cost, convenient way to save for retirement through payroll deduction. The 457 Plan offers diversified investment options and state-of-the-art services, all at low cost to participants and at no cost to employers.

Could your agency use fresh strategies to reduce and stabilize pension costs? Join our experts to learn about tools and options to help. We'll discuss:

• Incorporating a pension Section 115 trust into your funding policy
• Considerations when reducing unfunded actuarial liability with additional discretionary payments

Looking for strategies used to optimize the prudent management of Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) costs? Join our experts to learn about best practices and review case studies that have successfully saved money, improved financial reporting outcomes, and protected credit ratings for employers like you over the last 18 years.

Curious about the process CalPERS uses to set health plan premiums and the key influences on premiums? Join our health team as we discuss and share the various factors that impact the annual premiums. In this session, you’ll:

• Learn about the methodologies used in setting premiums each year
• Explore the key factors and variables that influence annual plan premiums

Want to know more about managing or amending your CalPERS retirement benefits contract? Join us to learn about the key decision points to better understand if and when to make a change.

This session will provide an in-depth look at the more complex topics associated with the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act. The topics include rules surrounding timely enrollments, requirements for parent-child relationships and disabled dependents, and coordinating Medicare coverage with CalPERS. We’ll also cover employer responsibilities, direct pay vs. COBRA, and the Disabled Dependent Program.

Are you familiar with the helpful health reports available to you on demand? Do you know where to access all the health resources CalPERS has to offer? Come learn about the variety of health reports available to you, where to find health resources online, and tips on how to successfully manage health enrollment file submissions and online health enrollments.

Health benefits officers: The key to successful health benefits administration starts here. You’ll learn about the foundation of health business rules to help you conduct CalPERS health benefits business and better understand your responsibilities associated with the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act.

Session topics include:

• Eligibility and enrollment requirements
• Health benefits into retirement
• Health plan options
• Preferred communication methods
• Resources to conduct CalPERS health business

Join our chief health director and chief clinical director for an engaging conversation on health care trends and the strategic initiatives shaping the future of the CalPERS Health Program. You'll learn how our new health plan and pharmacy contracts are driving improved clinical quality. Gain insights into the strategies we're implementing to enhance affordability and quality and deliver exceptional health care for our members. We'll also share insights on the future vision for the CalPERS Health Program. Bring your questions and engage in the conversation so you return to your office with valuable, relevant information.

Curious about the process CalPERS uses to set health plan premiums and the key influences to premiums? Join our health team as we discuss and share the various factors that impact the annual premiums. In this session, you will:

• Learn about the methodologies used in setting premiums each year
• Explore the key factors and variables that influence annual plan premiums

Understand the difference between reporting classified and certificated CalPERS members. Learn about commonly reported compensation issues including full-time equivalent (FTE) reporting for classified members and pay rate requirements for certificated members.

This session will provide an in-depth look at the more complex topics associated with the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act. The topics include rules surrounding timely enrollments, requirements for parent-child relationships and disabled dependents, and coordinating Medicare coverage with CalPERS. We will also cover employer responsibilities, direct pay vs. COBRA, and the Disabled Dependent Program.

Are you confident your hiring processes are compliant with post-retirement employment laws? We’ll simplify the process of hiring retired annuitants so you can get it right every time.

Are you familiar with the helpful health reports available to you on demand? Do you know where to access all the health resources CalPERS has to offer? Come learn about the variety of health reports available to you, where to find health resources online, and tips on how to successfully manage health enrollment file submissions and online health enrollments.

We’re busting retirement compensation myths. Learn about our most frequent public agency reporting issues and how to avoid them negatively affecting your employees’ retirement benefits.

The CalPERS 457 Plan is a deferred compensation plan administered by CalPERS, a California state agency. Since 1995, CalPERS has provided public agencies and schools — and their employees — a low-cost, convenient way to save for retirement through payroll deduction. The 457 Plan offers diversified investment options and state-of-the-art services, all at low cost to participants and at no cost to employers.

Health benefits officers: The key to successful health benefits administration starts here. You’ll learn about the foundation of health business rules to help you conduct CalPERS health benefits business and better understand your responsibilities associated with the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act.

Session topics include:

• Eligibility and enrollment requirements
• Health benefits into retirement
• Health plan options
• Preferred communication methods
• Resources to conduct CalPERS health business

Learn how to use our new myCalPERS enhancements to submit your labor policy reviews and requests for advice.

Learn how to limit compliance reviews and maximize your staff's retirement benefits by simplifying the number of special compensation items.

Learn the difference between and the requirements for Out of Class (OOC) vs. Temporary Upgrade Pay (TUP) in compliance with Public Employee Retirement Law (PERL). Part of the presentation will be the facts about reporting OOC/TUP compensation for safety members.

Join our experts to better understand the ins and outs of calculating a service retirement benefit. These topics will assist you as you communicate and support the retirement process within your organization:

• Applying for retirement
• Calculating a pension and unused sick leave
• Post-retirement adjustments
• Internal Revenue Code 415(b)
• Replacement Benefit Plan

Join our chief health director and chief clinical director for an engaging conversation on health care trends and the strategic initiatives shaping the future of the CalPERS Health Program. You'll learn how our new health plan and pharmacy contracts are driving improved clinical quality. Gain insights into the strategies we're implementing to enhance affordability and quality and deliver exceptional health care for our members. We'll also share insights on the future vision for the CalPERS Health Program. Bring your questions and engage in the conversation so you return to your office with valuable, relevant information.

Curious about the process CalPERS uses to set health plan premiums and the key influences on premiums? Join our health team as we discuss and share the various factors that impact the annual premiums. In this session, you will:

• Learn about the methodologies used in setting premiums each year
• Explore the key factors and variables that influence annual plan premiums

Want to know more about managing or amending your CalPERS retirement benefits contract? Join us to learn about the key decision points to better understand if and when to make a change.

Understand the difference between reporting classified and certificated CalPERS members. Learn about commonly reported compensation issues including full-time equivalent (FTE) reporting for classified members and pay rate requirements for certificated members.

This session will explain all of the changes going on in the CalPERS actuarial world, which will affect and shape future contribution rates. Join us to learn more about where your rates are headed.

This session will provide an in-depth look at the more complex topics associated with the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act. The topics include rules surrounding timely enrollments, requirements for parent-child relationships and disabled dependents, and coordinating Medicare coverage with CalPERS. We will also cover employer responsibilities, direct pay vs. COBRA, and the Disabled Dependent Program.

Learn and understand what goes into independent contractor and safety classification reviews at CalPERS. We will provide guidance on what your agency should do if CalPERS determines someone to be incorrectly enrolled at your agency.

Are you confident that your hiring processes are compliant with post-retirement employment laws? We’ll simplify the process of hiring retired annuitants so you can get it right every time.

We’re busting retirement compensation myths. Learn about our most frequent public agency reporting issues and how to avoid them negatively affecting your employees’ retirement benefits.

The CalPERS 457 Plan is a deferred compensation plan administered by CalPERS, a California state agency. Since 1995, CalPERS has provided public agencies and schools — and their employees — a low-cost, convenient way to save for retirement through payroll deduction. The 457 Plan offers diversified investment options and state-of-the-art services, all at low cost to participants and at no cost to employers.

Learn how to use our new myCalPERS enhancements to submit your labor policy reviews and requests for advice.

Could your agency use fresh strategies to reduce and stabilize pension costs? Join our experts to learn about tools and options to help. We'll discuss:

• Incorporating a pension Section 115 trust into your funding policy
• Considerations when reducing unfunded actuarial liability with additional discretionary payments

Learn how to limit compliance reviews and maximize your staff's retirement benefits by simplifying the number of special compensation items.

Learn the difference between and the requirements for Out of Class (OOC) vs. Temporary Upgrade Pay (TUP) in compliance with Public Employees’ Retirement Law (PERL). Part of the presentation will be the facts about reporting OOC/TUP compensation for safety members.

Looking for strategies used to optimize the prudent management of Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) costs? Join our experts to learn about best practices and review case studies that have successfully saved money, improved financial reporting outcomes, and protected credit ratings for employers like you over the last 18 years.

Curious about the most critical state and federal policy issues impacting CalPERS and our stakeholders? Join us for a review of the 2024 state and federal legislative year, and the work we have ahead to engage policymakers in 2025.

Join our chief health director and chief clinical director for an engaging conversation on health care trends and the strategic initiatives shaping the future of the CalPERS Health Program. You'll learn how our new health plan and pharmacy contracts are driving improved clinical quality. Gain insights into the strategies we're implementing to enhance affordability and quality and deliver exceptional health care for our members. We'll also share insights on the future vision for the CalPERS Health Program. Bring your questions and engage in the conversation so you return to your office with valuable, relevant information.

Curious about the process CalPERS uses to set health plan premiums and the key influences on premiums? Join our health team as we discuss and share the various factors that impact the annual premiums. In this session, you’ll:

• Learn about the methodologies used in setting premiums each year
• Explore the key factors and variables that influence annual plan premiums

Want to know more about managing or amending your CalPERS retirement benefits contract? Join us to learn about the key decision points to better understand if and when to make a change.

Learn and understand what goes into independent contractor and safety classification reviews at CalPERS. We will provide guidance on what your agency should do if CalPERS determines someone to be incorrectly enrolled at your agency.

Are you confident that your hiring processes are compliant with post-retirement employment laws? We’ll simplify the process of hiring retired annuitants so you can get it right every time.

Join our experts to better understand the ins and outs of calculating a service retirement benefit. These topics will assist you as you communicate and support the retirement process within your organization:

• Applying for retirement
• Calculating a pension and unused sick leave
• Post-retirement adjustments
• Internal Revenue Code 415(b)
• Replacement Benefit Plan